ETYMOLOGY

Which ones will you start using in conversation?

80 Weird Words and Phrases

If you’ve ever needed a word for a piece of bread eaten just after a bath, or a term for an unpleasant choice between three options, you’re in luck.

This is no time to batten down the hatches.

16 Sailing Terms for Landlubbers

A handful of centuries-old sailing words remain known only to the saltiest of seamen, but some have become part of our everyday language.

Jazz Up Your Vocabulary With Mental Floss’s 2025 Word Nerd Desk Calendar

Our 2025 word-a-day calendar covers old-timey slang terms, fascinating phrase origins, and more.

‘Dumpster fire’ is just one slang term to come out of the 2000s.

2000s Slang: 30 Amazeballs Terms You Should Know

In the 2000s, the internet took over, as did social media, streaming, and cell phones that were also cameras and tiny computers. The slang of this era didn’t disappoint, either: From amazeballs to mukbang and beyond, here are some terms you might not have

Why Aren’t There B Batteries?

Once upon a time, there used to be B batteries, but they’re not manufactured anymore. Here’s why they disappeared from shelves.

In the South, all sodas are called “Coke,” no matter what their actual name is.

Southern Slang: 11 Words and Phrases You Hear in the South, Explained

Here’s a rundown of some Southern slang terms that might be beneficial to keep in mind the next time you’re visiting.

‘Ghosting’ is a very Millennial slang term.

Millennial Slang: 16 Terms You Should Totes Know

From adulting to doggo, you can thank Millennials for popularizing these slang terms.

Everybunny wants to know why we call rabbits “bunnies.”

How Did ‘Bunny’ Become a Word for ‘Rabbit’?

When it comes to abbreviations for animal names, doggy for dog makes sense, as does kitty for cat, when you think about it: Kitty comes from the word kitten. But where does bunny for rabbit come from?

Impress your green-thumbed friends with your knowledge of flower names.

The Fascinating Origins of 12 Beautiful Flower Names

With spring in bloom, let’s stop and smell the etymological roses and learn the origins of flower names like orchid, tulip, and violet.

‘Listen to me! I’m old and know things!’

Boomer Slang: 26 Terms You Should Know

The generational group born between 1946 and 1964 contributed a lot to slang.

Curious about what your state's name means?

This Map Shows the Literal Translations of U.S. Place Names

From California to Boston, here are the literal translations of every American state and capital city name.

Why Do We Call It a ‘Piggyback’ Ride?

Pigs were involved in piggyback rides lexically much more than literally.

Whether or not you know what flambé means, be careful trying it at home.

18 Cooking Terms You Should Know

From fold to flambé, here are the culinary terms every home cook should know.

St. Patty’s Day vs. St. Paddy’s Day: Which Is Correct?

You can always avoid the issue by spelling out “St. Patrick’s Day,” but here’s how to properly abbreviate it.

Why Do We Call Them ‘Dumbbells’?

The popular piece of workout gear has a pretty insulting name, and it's all thanks to a poet and scholar.

Pasta's journey to your kitchen table is more fascinating than you might think.

The Surprising Origins of 15 Pasta Shapes

Ever wonder how lasagne, vermicelli, and macaroni came to be? Dive into the history of some of the best pasta shapes and their cultural significance in Italy and beyond.

Back in the day, the box office was everything.

Where Did the Term ‘Box Office’ Come From?

The origins of the term ‘box office’ will probably surprise you—it's more about box seats than those old-fashioned detached booths that look like glorified boxes.

What Does the Irish Word ‘Craic’ Mean?

Here’s everything you need to know about the meaning, origin, and evolution of the Irish word ‘craic.’

The origin of ‘a piece of cake’ comes from actual cake.

The Origins of 10 Food Phrases

From ‘piece of cake’ to ‘the apple of my eye,’ these food-related phrases have fascinating histories.

The historic—and historical—grand opening of New York City's Brooklyn Bridge in May 1883.

Historic vs. Historical: What’s the Difference (And Which Should I Use)?

Learn when to use historic vs. historical in English language. Find out the differences and similarities between the two terms.

Canines have inspired all kinds of words—and they’re not the only animals to have done so.

15 Common Words Inspired by Animals

Animals have always been important to the lives and livelihoods of humans, so it’s no wonder they've left a mark on language.

This ‘dimber cove’ is ‘bughouse’ for his ‘dainty duck’ on Valentine’s Day.

20 Old-Fashioned Terms to Bring Back for Valentine’s Day

Want to add some old-timey charm to your Valentine’s Day? From ‘bughouse’ to ‘zippy,’ learn about romantic terms from eras past to surprise and delight your loved one.

Retro Pepsi-Cola logos from the mid-20th century.

Pop Star: How Pepsi Got Its Name

Pepsi-Cola was named for two ingredients that it doesn't (and possibly never did) contain.

Why Do We Call the Seasons Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter?

Uncover the intriguing history of how the seasons got their names and the meanings behind them.

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